Multivariable Calculus · free preview
Curvature and the Osculating Circle
The unit tangent vector, curvature as the turning rate per unit distance, formulas for computing it, and the principal normal with the osculating circle it defines.
1. The unit tangent and the turning it does
The unit tangent and the turning it does
2. Formulas that avoid the arclength parameter
Formulas that avoid the arclength parameter
3. The principal normal points to the center of the bend
The principal normal points to the center of the bend
4. Acceleration splits into steering and pedaling
Acceleration splits into steering and pedaling
5. Curvature of a circle
A circle of radius is traversed counterclockwise. What is its curvature?
6. Computing helix curvature
For the helix , what is ?
7. Curvature of a graph
For the parabola , where is the curvature largest?
8. Radius of curvature on the parabola
For the parabola at the point , the curvature is . Give the radius of curvature, the reciprocal, in the form a*sqrt(b)/c with integers.
9. Steering acceleration on a bend
A car maintains a constant speed of on a circular track of radius . Give the magnitude of its acceleration, as a plain number or fraction.
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